The key lesson I learned from cube farming is that "smoking" is a survival skill. It does not matter that you hardly know the issue. As long as the listeners are clouded by the smoke, you survive.
Like today.
I doubt the listeners understand what I was trying to share with them (as I don't even quite understand what I was blabbing about anyway). Somehow, they nodded at what I was saying and even asked questions that resulted in more smoke. What can I say? I hardly understand the issue, even lest their questions. Even my boss was smoking to some extent (I could tell because both of us kept looking at each other, seeking silent affirmation that whatever we said made sense).
So, "smoking" is quite a survival skill.
Even at the farmer level.
Showing posts with label Cube Farm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cube Farm. Show all posts
25 August 2009
02 February 2009
Amazing
It is amazing that I seem to know operational things better than folks dealing with the operational things. Most stuff just require logical thinking. Although it helps to stay in touch with what is happening within the organisation and discussions at management meetings. Even if one does not attend the meetings frequently, the minutes are in public domain for all to see and people openly admit that they do not read them. Preferring to ask the source which only refers them to read the minutes. I admit. I am the source that likes to refer people to read the minutes. Afterall, they are there for a purpose.
It is amazing that policy papers have been written to the most layman's standard and people still do not comprehend. I often wonder why. There is no other way to make it more layman. Plus, each paper is only about 3 pages long at maximum. It is really very concise and straight to the point. No grandmother story. But I still ended up explaining a 3-page long policy paper to people on the phone that last at least half an hour each time. I seriously need a caller id.
It is amazing that someone can dominate a meeting and talks only her issues and problems and other people's issues and problems are not as crucial as hers. At times, I wonder if she did it on purpose or she is just like that. After listening to the issues and problems that she loves highlighting to everyone, it only makes us more confused. Clarifications with her staff often clears the air and you suddenly realised that they are non-starter in the first place. I love it when #1 said it to her face, "Ok, noted your points. Anyway, they are non-issues." And shucks, I couldn't see her expression as I was sitting behind her.
It is amazing to write a policy paper that should include many flexibilities. Flexibilities such as we reserve the right to deviate from the approved framework, to exclude XX, YY, ZZ from the approved framework, to include XX, YY, ZZ back into the approved framework when more details are worked out. The requester seriously need a lesson on policy writing. Too many flexibilities in a policy paper bring everyone back to square one. A situation without a policy and then we will crack out heads to come up with a policy so that everyone is on the same page and the same requests for flexibilities and the cycle continues. It really is amazing.
It is amazing that policy papers have been written to the most layman's standard and people still do not comprehend. I often wonder why. There is no other way to make it more layman. Plus, each paper is only about 3 pages long at maximum. It is really very concise and straight to the point. No grandmother story. But I still ended up explaining a 3-page long policy paper to people on the phone that last at least half an hour each time. I seriously need a caller id.
It is amazing that someone can dominate a meeting and talks only her issues and problems and other people's issues and problems are not as crucial as hers. At times, I wonder if she did it on purpose or she is just like that. After listening to the issues and problems that she loves highlighting to everyone, it only makes us more confused. Clarifications with her staff often clears the air and you suddenly realised that they are non-starter in the first place. I love it when #1 said it to her face, "Ok, noted your points. Anyway, they are non-issues." And shucks, I couldn't see her expression as I was sitting behind her.
It is amazing to write a policy paper that should include many flexibilities. Flexibilities such as we reserve the right to deviate from the approved framework, to exclude XX, YY, ZZ from the approved framework, to include XX, YY, ZZ back into the approved framework when more details are worked out. The requester seriously need a lesson on policy writing. Too many flexibilities in a policy paper bring everyone back to square one. A situation without a policy and then we will crack out heads to come up with a policy so that everyone is on the same page and the same requests for flexibilities and the cycle continues. It really is amazing.
03 January 2009
Busy
In case you are wondering why I have not been blogging. One word summed it all.
Busy.
And darn super busy. Ok, if I look upon it as a little sacrifice for the greater good, I think it's worth it. You know what is the best part? I will get to see the impact of my little sacrifice when the media reports the news that the big guy is going to make next week. ^_^
And I hope I get to attend the event when he makes the announcement. Afterall, it is just across the street.
========
When I thought that I am long out from the fresh-out-of-school scene, I received an email asking me to do a national survey on employment for graduates. The interesting part was that it was sent (although most probably sent out by the system) by a Director who is one of the members of my organisation's board. Felt a little weird while doing the survey. But then, it was also a good stocktake of when I am heading.
Busy.
And darn super busy. Ok, if I look upon it as a little sacrifice for the greater good, I think it's worth it. You know what is the best part? I will get to see the impact of my little sacrifice when the media reports the news that the big guy is going to make next week. ^_^
And I hope I get to attend the event when he makes the announcement. Afterall, it is just across the street.
========
When I thought that I am long out from the fresh-out-of-school scene, I received an email asking me to do a national survey on employment for graduates. The interesting part was that it was sent (although most probably sent out by the system) by a Director who is one of the members of my organisation's board. Felt a little weird while doing the survey. But then, it was also a good stocktake of when I am heading.
18 November 2008
Today's Briefing
It has been a long while since I did a presentation. And I mean a proper presentation. Not the informal, play, play type.
Let me see ... when was the last time I did it? Hmm ... Oh, 8 years ago. =_=
Anyway. I thought I would be super nervous. Surprisingly, it went ok. Not that fantastic. But enough to get by and send the key messages across. The good thing was, I didn't feel a sense of nervousness as the presentation went.
So, yes. It was ok. I think I pass the test.
If not, Boss wouldn't have asked me to standby to do a similar presentation. This time to a much bigger audience. In case you are wondering, today's briefing was to an audience size of 60 pax.
^_^
Let me see ... when was the last time I did it? Hmm ... Oh, 8 years ago. =_=
Anyway. I thought I would be super nervous. Surprisingly, it went ok. Not that fantastic. But enough to get by and send the key messages across. The good thing was, I didn't feel a sense of nervousness as the presentation went.
So, yes. It was ok. I think I pass the test.
If not, Boss wouldn't have asked me to standby to do a similar presentation. This time to a much bigger audience. In case you are wondering, today's briefing was to an audience size of 60 pax.
^_^
16 November 2008
Busy ... Busy ...
Contrary to most beliefs, life in new workplace is not as dull as one thinks it to be. When it is supposed to be lull period for most, we are gearing towards the peak. Every other hour, we are either at meetings working out details or preparing materials for a big announcement.
Talking about the big announcement, it was initially intended to be kept at our level but due to the prospects of getting brownie points, some big guys decided that they want to join in the fun. One by one. Lucky for us, we do not need to worry about the co-ordination work as it is being managed at the parent end. Imagine trying to secure the big guys' common timeslot within a span of less than a week and preparing the necessary background brief and talking points to those who are unfamilar with the whatever-thing-that-will-be-announced (WTTWBA). Ya, enough to keep one busy and not forgeting the amount of hair loss. =_=
Anyway. We have enough on our plate. Fleshing out the meat for the WTTWBA is enough to frustrate us. Especially, when the frontline Divisions are still trying their luck to push for things outside the purview of the WTTWBA.
In case you are wondering. I am not complaining. It has been a while to be busy for a meaningful purpose. And I am enjoying every moment. Even when I was suddenly tasked to present the WTTWBA to an audience size of 60 per briefing session this coming Tues and Wed.
Well, wish me luck. ^_^
Talking about the big announcement, it was initially intended to be kept at our level but due to the prospects of getting brownie points, some big guys decided that they want to join in the fun. One by one. Lucky for us, we do not need to worry about the co-ordination work as it is being managed at the parent end. Imagine trying to secure the big guys' common timeslot within a span of less than a week and preparing the necessary background brief and talking points to those who are unfamilar with the whatever-thing-that-will-be-announced (WTTWBA). Ya, enough to keep one busy and not forgeting the amount of hair loss. =_=
Anyway. We have enough on our plate. Fleshing out the meat for the WTTWBA is enough to frustrate us. Especially, when the frontline Divisions are still trying their luck to push for things outside the purview of the WTTWBA.
In case you are wondering. I am not complaining. It has been a while to be busy for a meaningful purpose. And I am enjoying every moment. Even when I was suddenly tasked to present the WTTWBA to an audience size of 60 per briefing session this coming Tues and Wed.
Well, wish me luck. ^_^
30 October 2008
Meetings ... Meetings ...
It is interesting to see things from the other side of the table. Back at previous place, we always like to get the "kids" to do the running and implementation. The feeling was that they have the capacity and resources to do what we think were ops.
Working in new place makes me appreciate the efforts of people who work in the "kids". It is not easy implementing policies decided by the big guys, especially when there are other agendas behind the decisions. While we understand the public message that needs to be protrayed, it is equally important to ensure the facts and figures (no matter how ballpark they are) that the "parent" wants are publicly defensible. It does not help to talk big but deliver peanuts. The "parent" may score brownie points but the "kids" are the ones who bear the grievances of all.
Like today. We had a 4-hour meeting with the "parent", strategising the downturn measures. It was not long that I heard this familiar request:
"Can you give us the ballpark figures for the required budget by next tues?"
Typical deadline that any "parent" will set. Somehow, the "parent" thinks that it is very easy to come up with the ballpark. =_= It may sound effortless because it is just ballpark. But it is not. In case you are wondering why not, we are looking at hundred millions dollars' worth of measures. We can't just pluck figures from the sky and then held responsible for underutilising the guessestimate.
Talking about budget. I really need to get used to seeing figures in hundred millions dollars. Back at previous place, we would question the "kids" left, right and centre for projects that just cost few millions dollars. If we were really good in the questioning, we could slash the project cost by a few millions. If not, a couple hundred thousands. In new place, these are peanuts. Many programmes cost hundred millions dollars, affecting anyone aged 15 to 65 years old. It makes me wonder if previous place's efforts were really worth it. Notwithstanding that we should be prudent in the expenditure, we should look at cost cuttings in a more holistic manner. Unfortunately, not many people at previous place have such mindset.
Anyway, today was a day of meetings on downturn measures. It is really interesting to be at the heart of the excitement, getting first-hand news and working on the measures. An opportunity that does not come frequently.
We have been told that situation is likely to worsen in the next few months. We are expecting busy months ahead. But then, it is good to be busy for a case and see the impact of your efforts. To me, this is real work.
Working in new place makes me appreciate the efforts of people who work in the "kids". It is not easy implementing policies decided by the big guys, especially when there are other agendas behind the decisions. While we understand the public message that needs to be protrayed, it is equally important to ensure the facts and figures (no matter how ballpark they are) that the "parent" wants are publicly defensible. It does not help to talk big but deliver peanuts. The "parent" may score brownie points but the "kids" are the ones who bear the grievances of all.
Like today. We had a 4-hour meeting with the "parent", strategising the downturn measures. It was not long that I heard this familiar request:
"Can you give us the ballpark figures for the required budget by next tues?"
Typical deadline that any "parent" will set. Somehow, the "parent" thinks that it is very easy to come up with the ballpark. =_= It may sound effortless because it is just ballpark. But it is not. In case you are wondering why not, we are looking at hundred millions dollars' worth of measures. We can't just pluck figures from the sky and then held responsible for underutilising the guessestimate.
Talking about budget. I really need to get used to seeing figures in hundred millions dollars. Back at previous place, we would question the "kids" left, right and centre for projects that just cost few millions dollars. If we were really good in the questioning, we could slash the project cost by a few millions. If not, a couple hundred thousands. In new place, these are peanuts. Many programmes cost hundred millions dollars, affecting anyone aged 15 to 65 years old. It makes me wonder if previous place's efforts were really worth it. Notwithstanding that we should be prudent in the expenditure, we should look at cost cuttings in a more holistic manner. Unfortunately, not many people at previous place have such mindset.
Anyway, today was a day of meetings on downturn measures. It is really interesting to be at the heart of the excitement, getting first-hand news and working on the measures. An opportunity that does not come frequently.
We have been told that situation is likely to worsen in the next few months. We are expecting busy months ahead. But then, it is good to be busy for a case and see the impact of your efforts. To me, this is real work.
19 October 2008
Corporate Planning Retreat
Corporate Planning Retreat is really a way for the big guy and his team to know one quickly.
At least, it happened to me.
Overnight, people knew that I have the following:
Don't know whether this is a good or bad thing.
=_=
At least, it happened to me.
Overnight, people knew that I have the following:
- Nice writing
- Good with microsoft word, especially "sorting" table columns fast nothwithstanding it is done the manual way.
- The events management gal, cos' I was able to get Wi-Fi access for all and accommodated the wants and demands of individual folks.
Don't know whether this is a good or bad thing.
=_=
15 October 2008
Water Polo Guy
For those who heard of the national team water polo guy who applied for a job at my previous workplace and who also won a pageant contest this year.
In case you are wondering what happened to his application. Former workplace was slow in processing his case. And so, he was offered a job at another place. My current workplace. To a division next to mine.
Just when I was wondering how come I have yet to see him around, I was told he had resigned recently. Due to push and pull factors.
And I thought I could get to see him in person for another time.
Sigh. =_=
In case you are wondering what happened to his application. Former workplace was slow in processing his case. And so, he was offered a job at another place. My current workplace. To a division next to mine.
Just when I was wondering how come I have yet to see him around, I was told he had resigned recently. Due to push and pull factors.
And I thought I could get to see him in person for another time.
Sigh. =_=
10 October 2008
Filing System
I missed eReg. A lot.
Having been pampered by the solid filing system at old workplace, it is a struggle at new workplace trying to track down historical data/records/decisions etc. Folks were commenting that they have in place a filing system, comprising shared drive and online posts.
Wait till they see eReg. =_=
Keeping approved documents (e.g. word documents, excel spreadsheets, powerpoint slides) in the shared drive is not filing. The shared drive is merely a repository of documents, provided people diligently saved the approved and not drafts in there.
Filing system goes beyond saving documents. It should keep records of correspondences that deliberated on how decisions were made. End state is important but so is the process. With the move towards knowledge management, comprehensive filing system is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the organisation.
I am surprised that the IT folks have yet to recognise this.
Sigh.
Having been pampered by the solid filing system at old workplace, it is a struggle at new workplace trying to track down historical data/records/decisions etc. Folks were commenting that they have in place a filing system, comprising shared drive and online posts.
Wait till they see eReg. =_=
Keeping approved documents (e.g. word documents, excel spreadsheets, powerpoint slides) in the shared drive is not filing. The shared drive is merely a repository of documents, provided people diligently saved the approved and not drafts in there.
Filing system goes beyond saving documents. It should keep records of correspondences that deliberated on how decisions were made. End state is important but so is the process. With the move towards knowledge management, comprehensive filing system is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the organisation.
I am surprised that the IT folks have yet to recognise this.
Sigh.
07 October 2008
Relocation
Just when I thought that I will get to enjoy the million dollar office view for good, we were told that we need to be relocated to outside CBD area. Courtesy of the $ folks' policy.
Anyway, we are most probably moving to the east next year and thereafter to further east in the longer term. Am really hoping that the Circle Line will be up and running soon.
Darn. =_=
Anyway, we are most probably moving to the east next year and thereafter to further east in the longer term. Am really hoping that the Circle Line will be up and running soon.
Darn. =_=
02 October 2008
First Day @ Work
First day. And I was asked to sit in for CE's weekly management meeting. Plus to accompany boss' boss to attend a courtesy call-cum-site visit next week.
Back to meeting. It was an interesting session. Unlike those at my previous workplace. Conducted in an informal manner, everyone was free to air their views without worrying whether CE would frown at them. Backbenchers could even gossip among themselves while the men and women at the table were seriously debating issues of concern. At times, CE was joking with his team. I am beginning to like the work culture.
Except one thing. Though not a big deal.
I only got my laptop half an hour before it was time to knock off. It should be given out earlier so that I could at least read up the jargons that the men and women were talking about.
Anyway, I need to understand the jargons soon cos' I have a bad feeling that my honeymoon could be a short one.
Back to meeting. It was an interesting session. Unlike those at my previous workplace. Conducted in an informal manner, everyone was free to air their views without worrying whether CE would frown at them. Backbenchers could even gossip among themselves while the men and women at the table were seriously debating issues of concern. At times, CE was joking with his team. I am beginning to like the work culture.
Except one thing. Though not a big deal.
I only got my laptop half an hour before it was time to knock off. It should be given out earlier so that I could at least read up the jargons that the men and women were talking about.
Anyway, I need to understand the jargons soon cos' I have a bad feeling that my honeymoon could be a short one.
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